Fall of Constantinople: Cannon vs Walls (1453)
by Anonymous
Sultan Mehmed II deployed the massive Orban cannon against Constantinople's legendary Theodosian Walls, which had stood for 1,000 years. The decision to use gunpowder artillery against medieval fortifications marked the end of an era.
Massive Cannon Bombardment
1453
year
Orban's 27-foot bronze cannon
technology
Theodosian Walls (stood since 413 CE)
target
Chosen — walls breached, Constantinople fell after 53-day siege
outcome
Traditional Siege (Starvation)
1453
year
Blockade and scaling ladders
technology
Wait for supplies to run out
target
Not relied upon — city could be resupplied by sea
outcome
Want to make your own version?
Sign up to create your ownMore in History
Women's Suffrage: Militant vs Constitutional Action (1903-1918)
Militant Action (Suffragettes) vs Constitutional Action (Suffragists)
US Interstate Highway System vs Rail (1956)
Interstate Highway System vs National Passenger Rail Network vs Mixed Investment (Both)
Sparta vs Athens: How to Defend Against Persia (480 BCE)
Naval Battle (Athenian Strategy) vs Land Defense (Spartan Strategy)
Roman Capital: Rome vs Byzantium (330 CE)
Constantinople (Byzantium) vs Keep Rome as Capital vs Nicomedia
Operation Barbarossa: Moscow vs Ukraine (1941)
Divert to Ukraine First vs Drive Straight to Moscow
Zheng He vs Columbus: Scale of Exploration (1405 vs 1492)
Zheng He's Treasure Fleet (China) vs Columbus's Expedition (Spain)